properties

1. QR codes are old
QR codes were invented in October 1994 by Denso-Wave.

2. License
The use of the QR Code is free of any license. The QR Code is clearly defined and published as ISO standard. Denso Wave owns the patent rights on QR Code, but has chosen not to exercise them.
The term QR Code itself is a registered trademark of Denso Wave Incorporated.